Spartan News
Dr. Khadija Miller leads Honors College
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By Carlos Tankard
Dr. Khadijah Miller has been named Dean of the Robert C. Nusbaum Honors College at Norfolk State University.
According to NSU’s website, the Honors College is, “A community of scholars where critical thinking, curiosity, imagination, and creativity are encouraged. Challenging courses, spirited debate, international study, and research projects can all be part of the Honors College experience.”
Dr. Miller defines what it means to be a part of the Honors college, “For us, honors is more than grades. It is a behavior, an attitude, a mindset,” Miller said.
After 13 years of being the department head of History and Interdisciplinary Studies at NSU, Dr. Miller sees this new position as an opportunity to stretch students to their full potential.
“I love too [that] the motto is to stretch and shine and so to stretch students’ potentials...to just do wonderful things. I see myself as an advocate, kind of like a coach to push them sometimes to do things that may be a little uncomfortable,” Miller said.
The NSU professor has plans to continue emphasizing the Honors College’s 5 Pillars which include academic excellence, professional growth and development, positive social interactions, and community service. To uphold these components she wants to increase student engagement and participation to get an active student association. “Well, one of the goals is for every student who wants an internship to get an internship, and I’m pushing for paid internships,” Miller said.
Dr. Miller acknowledges Mia Smith, the general admissions coordinator at the Honors College, who helps her achieve the program goals. Smith is a great help, the program would not be where it is without her, Miller said.
With the help of Smith, the new dean plans to leave a lasting and positive impact on the Honors College, focusing on how the program is viewed from the outside. “And this is what I would like for the Honors College to do so that students will when they hear about it, they say, oh, I want to be a part of the Honors College,” Dr. Miller says.
Tyrell Watkins/ Spartan Echo